Lithuania returned the obligatory draft in the army

Lithuanian President Dalya Grybauskaite signed the law on the introduction of universal military service on an ongoing basis. This was reported by the press service of the head of state. Amendments will enter into force on September 1.

According to the law, Lithuania officially moves from a completely professional army to a mixed -type army. "A mixed model, when the army consists of professionals and conscripts, creates a closer connection between society and the military. This helps to better understand the need for a willingness to defend, which is the most effective means of deterrence," the message said.

It is planned to attract from 3.5 to 4 thousand people annually to military service. Currently, more than 3.8 thousand volunteers have already expressed a desire to serve.

Lithuania abandoned the general draft in 2008. Last year, the authorities decided for five years to again introduce a call due to the "current geopolitical situation." However, all 3001 army vacancies were filled with volunteers.

In February 2015, the State Council of Lithuania on Defense advocated the temporary return of military service on conscription . This decision was supported by the Sejm.

For conscripts, the service life was set at 9 months. Before the abolition of the call, it was a year. Students and lone fathers, as well as people who are worthless in health, will not be called into the army. It was noted that the preparation and maintenance of conscripts will cost the state almost half as much as the preparation and maintenance of contractors.